Jumping is a great way to help littles build balance, muscle and bone strength, and motor planning while encouraging social interaction. Kids love to play games that involve jumping, and it’s also a fun way to promote learning and physical activity, which can help build a lifetime of healthy habits. 

But when do kids learn to jump? You can expect your child to start jumping after they begin to run, climb on and off furniture, and walk up and down stairs with help.  Every child is unique and develops on their own schedule, but knowing the general jumping milestones for each age group can prepare you for what’s to come and give you an idea of when you should talk to your pediatrician if you suspect a delay.  

When Do Toddlers Learn to Jump?

Kids need to build strength before they’re ready to jump, which usually happens around six months after they start walking on their own — often around 18 to 24 months. At this age, they’ll start attempting small jumps and may lead with one foot. 

So, when do toddlers start jumping with both feet? It’s usually by age two that many toddlers develop sufficient coordination. By age 3, children gain more control and develop increased skills, such as jumping forward and over small obstacles. By age 4 or 5, most kids are experts and can control their jumps, hop on one foot, and learn more complex movements such as skipping and jumping rope. 

How Jumping Develops: Key Motor Skills Involved

Before kids can master jumping and reap the health benefits, they must develop other key motor skills to set the stage for success. 

Balance and Coordination 

When toddlers do learn to jump, they need to maintain their equilibrium to jump up and land safely. Playing on the Jungle Jumparoo and working on activities that develop balance and coordination can help your child learn to jump. 

Leg Strength 

Strong leg muscles help your child jump high, control their movements, and maintain the posture they need to be active and healthy. Activities such as running and climbing will help build strong leg muscles. 

Body Awareness (Proprioception) 

Your child’s proprioceptive system detects and controls force and pressure to give your child a sense of body awareness. It also helps them regulate sensory processing. 

Confidence and Risk-Taking 

Taking a first jump can be scary. Building up your child’s confidence and encouraging age-appropriate risk-taking can help them overcome their fears. 

Encouraging Jumping Milestones: Fun Activities by Age

Here are some fun activities to encourage jumping at all ages: 

Jumping Activities for Toddlers (1-2 years old)

The answer to “When do babies learn to jump?” varies widely from child to child, but if you want to help older babies learn to jump, focus on low-impact activities that build strength, coordination, and balance. Practice bouncing on soft surfaces and help them jump down from a low surface, such as the last step on a staircase. 

Blowing bubbles is a great activity because it encourages your child to run after them and jump up to catch the high ones. You can also encourage your child to practice walking on their tiptoes to promote balance and muscle development. 

Preschoolers (3-4 years old)

After toddlers learn to jump, you can help them develop control by setting up an obstacle course for a physical challenge. Mix it up by including something to jump into, such as a hula hoop; something to walk on carefully, such as a balance beam; and something to jump from, such as a small step. This is also a great time to teach your child to play hopscotch or introduce trampoline play. 

Older Kids (5+)

Kids can learn more advanced skills at this age and start playing sports that require jumping. You can introduce activities like balloon volleyball for a quick and easy way to burn energy and work on jumping skills. Buy your kids a jump rope and show them how to use it. Now is also a good time to teach them to skip if they haven’t picked it up yet. 

Signs of Delayed Jumping and When to Seek Help

Talk to your pediatrician if you notice any of the following issues as your child approaches their third birthday: 

• Not enough power to jump off the ground with both feet
• Only pushes off from one side
• Falls frequently when trying to jump
• Shows intense fear of jumping

Possible Causes 

Many issues could potentially cause difficulty with jumping, including: 

• Genetic disorders
• Infection
• Inflammation
• Head trauma
• Metabolic disturbances
• Exposure to toxins
• Medication side effects
• Underlying diseases 

Safe Ways to Support Jumping Skills

Encourage your child to develop jumping skills without unnecessary risk by choosing a safe environment for jumping, such as soft surfaces and supervised play areas. Use supportive play equipment, such as mini trampolines or the Jungle Jumparoo. 

Such items make jumping fun so your child will want to practice. Keep it fun and avoid pressuring your child into doing more than they’re ready for. Allow them to move at their own pace. 

Encourage and Celebrate Progress

Jumping is a natural next step after running and climbing. You can encourage your child to develop their jumping skills through active play by providing age-appropriate toys and a fun environment. 

When you’re ready to get started, shop the Jungle Jumparoo — the ultimate jumping toy. It provides a safe bouncing surface, climbing bars, and other accessories for hours of healthy, active fun!